Many overlanding enthusiasts dream of working and living on the road full-time, but the reality is that while that particular daydream does often end up being all that it is cracked up to be, it also requires a ton of prep, mental fortitude and commitment. Lucky for you, we did the hard work of rounding up the top tips for trying your hand at remote work from the road. While it’s not always sunshine and daisies, it is always an adventure… just like we overlanders like things. Read on and get started researching how to work from the road as a digital nomad.
1. Invest in Reliable Internet
If you’re set on trying to work from the road, you’re probably working from your computer at least some of the time, which means you are going to need reliable internet. After all, if you’re going to convince your boss that being permanently OOO (out of office) is totally going to work, you’re going to need to be reliable and easy to reach. Luckily, there are plenty of options for remote internet access. Your options include:
- Invest in a mobile hotspot/router (e.g., Verizon Jetpack, T-Mobile Inseego).
- Use multiple carriers: Get SIM cards or plans from at least two providers (for redundancy).
- Consider Starlink Roam if you’re often off-grid (expensive but fast).
- Use signal-boosting gear (e.g., weBoost cell signal boosters) in low-coverage areas.
- Apps like Coverage? and OpenSignal can help find strong signals.
2. Power Up on the Go
Managing power while trying to work from the road sounds like a pain, but with today’s technology and options, it doesn’t have to be. One of the most reliable routes you can take to stay connected and charged on the road is to install a solar power setup with an inverter and lithium batteries — EcoFlow is a good option. You should also have multiple charging methods ready to roll, in case there’s a failure. Invest in solar, a vehicle alternator, and the ability to access an external standard 110V or 220V electrical outlet. It’s also a good idea to know your gear’s typical power draw, so that you can plan effectively and manage your energy use wisely.
3. Create a Dedicated (and Ergonomic) Work Space
Take a card out of studio apartment design when it comes to remote work from the road: You may be living in small quarters, but that shouldn’t stop you from carving out a specific area dedicated to working. This could look like installing a fold-out desk, a swivel front seat plus desk combo, or any other creative means of creating your “work zone.” Portable tech will help here — use a laptop stand, external keyboard and mouse, and other tools to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Wherever you’re working in your rig, prioritize posture and comfort. Even desk jockeys tethered to an office know that long hours in one position (especially your vehicle’s seat) will result in lots of back pain and stiffness, so consider a standing desk option such as a Daylodge Remote Office or a Lagun table mount for a DIY set up where you can adjust the height to sit or stand as needed. Invest in a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones — they’ll provide peace in environments where you may not be able to control the noise around you, and will cut down on mental fatigue from trying to concentrate in a less-than-ideal environment.
4. Stay Organized
Whether it’s your literal stuff, or your digital belongings like files, it’s important to develop and stick to an organizational system early, or suffer the consequences later on. No two people’s process of staying organized will look the same — just ask any couple that’s been married for a long time — but, there are some best practices to keep in mind here. Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to make sure you never lose your work in case signal cuts out. Productivity tools are essentially baked into remote work, but even if you’re freelance, systems like Trello, Notion or Slack could help you stay up to date and on track with projects.
Keep your physical space tidy! This is a golden rule for all overlanders that don’t want to stress themselves out for no reason other than being lazy, but if you’re trying to combine your career and four wheels, then you definitely need to stay one step ahead of messes. Reduce clutter by identifying a home for everything you own. Use bins, overhead storage, label makers… whatever you have to, in order to stay on top of messes. While you’re on the move, secure your equipment using bins, baskets, Velcro or other types of organizers.
READ MORE: 10 Pieces of Survival Gear to Keep You Prepared for the Unthinkable
5. Plan Ahead for Parking & Work Spots
Work from the road can be idyllic — as long as you have somewhere to actually sit down and work. Before you move onto your next destination, scout out safe, legal overnight parking if you’re heading into a new area. If you’ve got an important deadline coming up and are afraid to rely on backcountry signal, head somewhere quiet and reliable for the day like a local library, coffee shop or park. You may want to invest in a quality folding table that you can use to work outside while the weather is nice; this will increase what kinds of areas you can work from. Remember to stay flexible: Things can change quickly while trying to work from the road, and obstacles like inclement weather, loss of signal or distracting noise can turn a day south, fast, if you don’t prepare beforehand.
6. Health & Hygiene Still Matter
As they say, all work and no play (or rest) makes remote work from the road a disaster. (Or, something to that effect.) In all seriousness though, working from the road isn’t just about having enough power, a dialed set-up or noise-cancelling tech to keep vibes peaceful and productive. One of the most important aspects of successful work from the road is keeping up a healthy routine: This means stretching, hydration and movement breaks, at the least. If you’re not exploring backcountry zones and getting in a workout that way, try joining a gym like Planet Fitness. (This is also a great place to get a shower in — score!)
On the digital side, use mental health apps, like Headspace, to stay centered. Join digital groups dedicated to a similar lifestyle as yours. Loneliness is no joke, so it’s important to establish a community of like-minded folks who just get you and what you’re experiencing. Even if you’re behind on a deadline and can’t find anywhere to set up and work, don’t skip meals or sleep — not only is it dangerous while operating a vehicle, but it’s terrible for your health, and will make you a less competent employee. Besides, you’re working from the road for a reason… stop and smell the roses whenever you can!
If you’re feeling excited to work from the road — whether you’re ready to go full on #vanlife or simply want to spend a day here and there listening to the songbirds swap office gossip — Overland Expos have exhibitors, showcases, demos, and loads of classes from people who are living the remote-work dream and are eager to walk you through all the tips from basic to advanced. Our next event is Overland Expo Mountain West, taking place from August 22-24 in Loveland, Colorado. Click the link below to learn more!
